SPORTS BRIEFING: PRO BASKETBALL; Knicks Face Roster Decisions

The Knicks' starters did not play one game as a unit during the preseason. After scoring just 60 points against Utah on Thursday night in a loss to close out the exhibition schedule with a 2-6 record, the Knicks have just three practices left in which to heal, to sort out the roster and perhaps to add a shooter before their season opener Wednesday.

The team's leading scorer, Allan Houston, who is recovering from knee surgery, played only the final two games, and Keith Van Horn missed those with a strained groin. The Knicks averaged 76.2 points in the eight exhibition games, the lowest in the league, and their lack of depth at shooting guard was apparent.

''Naturally, we're still constantly looking for someone to help us in that area, simply because we have a logjam in the four spot,'' Coach Don Chaney said.

Chaney said that if General Manager Scott Layden could not make a deal, he was likely to play a small backcourt and use Howard Eisley and Frank Williams at both backup guard positions. Layden has until 6 p.m. Monday, when regular-season rosters are set, to attempt to alleviate that logjam at power forward. Layden has already made inquiries to trade Othella Harrington, whose agent, David Bauman, asked Layden this week to trade or to waive his client.

''If they're not going to play me, I understand, that's business, but let's move on,'' Harrington, who has been sidelined with a sprained knee since last month, said Thursday. He added yesterday: ''I would rather be here, this is my first choice. All I ask is the opportunity to work myself back in.''

Chaney said, ''Until he gets back on the floor, I don't have a feel where he's going to fit this year.'' Liz Robbins